1st Timothy Series - The Affairs of the Church

 

The Affairs of the Church

1 Timothy 5:17-25

Churches today have a wide variance of needs in administration and the workings of preaching and teaching in the churches. This calls for God’s wisdom, insight, and understanding from God the Holy Spirit. For the body of Christ needs to be fed from the truth of God’s Word, needs to be cared for and protected from the false doctrines and false teachers even today. The teachings of Paul to Timothy are very relevant in these last days, our days. So let’s begin with the first portion of the text. “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”and “The worker deserves his wages.”Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.”

Paul sent Timothy to oversee the church in Ephesus because of it needs against false teachings (1:3-11), on the truth of God’s grace through faith, on instruction of the preaching of the gospel and true worship, the role and responsibilities of the church leaders, and the apostasy that will come upon the churches, especially from the teachings of demonic false doctrines, and the treatment of the elderly. 

Now, Paul is instructing Timothy in the treatment of those who are given charge and responsibility on the church leadership in directing the church. Those who teach wisely from the Word of God are worthy of honor and the meeting of their needs and wages. Timothy was directed to not entertain false accusations without the proof of two or three witnesses. Those who are caught up in the sin of false teachings are to be rebuked publicly in order to set the godly precedence of order and the sanctity of God’s Word in the affairs of the church, the body of Christ.

Application - First, I know what it is like to be without and with much in the material things of the world. Like Paul, I have learned to be content. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:11-13) 

And this is to be the mindset of every elder, pastor, and teacher in the church. We are given charge from God to preach the Word of God, not build up a nest egg or our own kingdoms. We should live within the means of our needs. It is correct to honor those who work diligently for God among us, for it is their responsibility to love, care, and feed the sheep of God’s pasture. I have seen that the vision the leadership has and takes is how they guide the sheep. For those whose vision aligns with the Word of God, they are to be honored, and for those who don’t have a clear vision, and are unsure of where and how to pasture the sheep (teach, care, love, and protect) they should be reproved in order to care for their souls as well as a warning to the sheep.

 Secondly, I am not an authority on demonic teachings or the teachings of demonized people. I rely on the Truth of God’s Word as the authority in the matters of God. It is becoming evidently clear of the progressiveness of false teachings, and those who take places of honor where God hasn’t placed it. The truth of God’s Word will ferret out the lies of the enemy of God, and expose them for what they are. I have learned the hard way to be still and let God battle against the enemy’s teachings. For it is a spiritual battle that He alone has the power to conquer. I know that we have been given the armor of God for protection, and that greater is the Holy Spirit that lives in us than the devil in the world. But we must remain (abide) on the rock, in the refuge of our salvation. Yes we have Christ’s authority over the demonic but we are to be wise in our submission to God, and the devil will flee as we resist his teachings and temptations.

Next, Paul addresses the issue of favoritism and partiality. So let’s read the last portion of the text, “I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.”

Paul is making it abundantly clear the seriousness of managing God’s church. He reiterates the presence of almighty God and his angels are watching and ministering in the body of Christ. Scripture is clear that God the Father and the Son sees the hearts and minds of all mankind.  “…know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.”  “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue,” (1 Chr. 28:9; Ps. 139:1-4) 

Partiality and favoritism have no place in the overseeing of God’s house and affairs. Paul wanted Timothy to be just in his overseeing of the church in Ephesus, for God is just and righteous. 

Paul knew that hastiness is not a godly virtue, Timothy needed to take time and search God for wisdom and understanding in making decisions especially when pertaining to God’s purpose and will. Timothy was to use discernment in the laying on of his hands, for this was reserved for healings and the selection of service to God. Paul knew the value of waiting on God for an answer or direction, this took patience not haste (Acts 16:6-10). For it would be easy to be caught up in pride and arrogance and in the sinful plans of others by being hasty and not seeking God’s direction and approval. 

Paul knew his prodigy’s health problems and the need of medicinal use of wine for stomach problems. 

Last, Paul addresses the obvious signs of sinfulness. 

“The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.” Paul knew that sin is sometimes easy to distinguish and then at other times is concealed by layers of deceit. He wanted Timothy to use the gift of discernment by the Holy Spirit, not just the eyes of the flesh. Paul saw that sin usually left a trail of past problems, acts, and behaviors that had not been dealt with. With these, Timothy was told to use wisdom and the insight of the Holy Spirit in dealing with people. Then there are those whose righteousness has gone before them in the testimony of God and of other believers. Paul always recognized those who were faithful to the work of God, and were to be honored and helped in whatever way that God deemed right to further the work of God. For God sees even the smallest gifts or good deeds and will bless it. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you…Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality…‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Prov. 3:27-28; Rom. 12:13; Matt. 25:40)

Application - God’s charge isn’t to be taken lightly! Those who are called to serve God in the manner of leadership are under the careful watch of Almighty God the Father, the Son, and the elect angels in heaven. They were given the responsibility to govern for God the flock of His sheep, and this was not to be done in partiality or favoritism. There have been many leaders who have chosen those around them that would agree with any of their decisions. They follow without checking with God and His Word to see if the decisions and visions align with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We are to seek God for those who are called by Him for the positions of responsibility in the church. Not the good old boy system. 

Next, don't make sidewalk decisions! Take the time to pray through God's will and approval. Hastiness can lead to catastrophe and chaos in the church. All the decisions of the church should be done in prayer and in patience, waiting on God’s consent by His Holy Spirit and by others. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them…For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us,” (Acts 13:2; 15:28)

Last, we must keep ourselves pure, undefiled, and blameless before God and before men. For it is so easy to get entangled in the affairs of this world and the sin that has so easily entangled it. To remain pure means to abide in Christ and the Word of God. We should meditate on and obey both. We should let the Word of God guide us by its light, wisdom, understanding, and insight into God’s will and purpose for our lives and for the church. We can find no other way to be pure than to live, pray, and walk according to His Word. Then there will be no room or time for sin that so easily entangles because we have our hearts and eyes focused on Jesus and His word. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Heb. 12:1-2a)

I’m again including the ABC’s of salvation (JD Farag). Please, Jesus, God the Son, came to this world to save all who would believe and trust in him. He desires to reveal himself to you, He is the Light that overcomes the darkness of this lawless world. He hears your prayers, and all authority in heaven and earth have been given to him. He will answer you if you will truly believe. If you haven’t asked him to be your Lord and Savior, today could be that day.

 First, A - Admit that you are a sinner. This is where that godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance for sinning against a righteous God and there is a change of heart, we change our mind and God changes our hearts and regenerates us from the inside out. Romans 3:10 - As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (We are all born sinners which is why we must be born spiritually in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven). Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The bad news is that the wages of sin is death, in other words our sin means that we have been given a death sentence, we have the death penalty hanging over our heads, that's the bad news. But here's the good news: The good news is that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Second,

 B - Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and that God raised Jesus from the dead. This is trusting with all of your heart that Jesus Christ is who he said he was. Romans 10:9-10 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Third, 

C - Call upon the name of the Lord. Every single person who ever lived since Adam will bend their knee and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Romans 14:11 - For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." Don't wait until later — do this now. Romans 10:13 - For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." "O God, I am a sinner. I'm sorry for my sin. I want to turn from my sin. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son; I believe that He died on the cross for my sin and that He was buried and You raised Him to life. I have decided to place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior, trusting only in His shed blood as sufficient to save my soul and to take me to heaven. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen."

Please share this with someone this week, the Lord knows that we and they need it.

If you would like other lessons, please go to http://pmdinhisservice.blogspot.com 

Until next week, In His Service Mike Davis